MiMi's Famous Cheeseball

The fall brings a lot of things back to my house that are missing in the summer...back to school, back to routines, and back to a little bit of chaos.  For my husband, it means the return of football.  One of his favorite ways to spend a fall day is to watch a great game and have his favorite snacks.  I've been making this cheeseball for him since we met and it's probably his very favorite thing to eat while watching football.  My MiMi passed this recipe onto me and it has become one of my go-to party recipes.  The ingredients seem a little strange together when you see the recipe, but I promise it is so yummy that people will ask you what's in it.  Then they look at you with a strange face when you tell them.  The key to everything working is chopping the bell pepper and onion as finely as you can, and also draining the pineapple as much as possible.  (I put the pineapple in a strainer and I also squeeze more juice out with my hands.)  My MiMi had quite a gift for hosting our large family for holidays and gatherings and this was one of her staples.  I'm proud to have some of her recipes and be able to pass them on. 

MiMi's Famous Cheeseball
2 blocks of cream cheese (16 oz.)
8 oz. can crushed pineapple (drained very well)
2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
2 tbsp. finely chopped onion (I usually add a little more than this.)
1 tbsp. of Lawry's Season Salt

Let the cream cheese come to room temperature.  Beat it with an electric mixer until smooth.  Stir in the rest of the ingredients.  Put the mixture back in the fridge until somewhat firm again.  Then, roll into a ball, or divide into 2 balls.  (I've made them into mini cheese balls too.)  Then, roll into more chopped pecans and wrap in plastic wrap.  Place back in the fridge until firm.  Serve with crackers.  We like it best with Wheat Thins.